Bruce, of course, is Bruce Smith, the Bills' all-pro defensive end. And Bennett's warning was clear: With Smith loose in the lineup, the Bills - who beat the New York Jets, 24-13, and won the AFC East title - are a far more dangerous ballclub.

After missing 11 of the season's first 12 games because of torn cartilage in his left knee, Smith returned Sunday and showed why he is the AFC's answer to Reggie White. He had five tackles and a sack.

The Bills (11-2) became the only team in the NFL to win its division in each of the past four seasons. They also came another game closer to clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, a factor not minimized by any club with hopes of winning in Buffalo come January. Consider that the Bills have won 17 consecutive home games and are 32-2 in blustery Rich Stadium since 1988.

As usual, the Bills dazzled their opponents Sunday with the quick-strike, no-huddle offense; the throwing of quarterback Jim Kelly (251 passing yards) and the shifting, squirming running of Thurman Thomas (124 rushing yards). Only their own sloppiness - two interceptions and two lost fumbles - kept the Bills from running up the score.

But more significant Sunday was Buffalo's solid defensive effort. The Bills held the Jets to one touchdown and just 293 yards. By the standards of other clubs, such numbers might be the norm. But it represented one of the Bills' top defensive games of the season.

At whatever percent he was going, Smith performed better than most. ''You can't just measure his effectiveness in tackles and sacks,'' coach Marv Levy said. ''You've got to consider that whenever he's playing, he ties up two or three blockers. And that frees up other guys to make the plays.''

The offense had plenty of contributors, too. James Lofton caught five passes for 109 yards, including a stunning 27-yard touchdown grab. Third wideout Al Edwards, who played only because of an injury to Don Beebe, added nine catches for 78 yards.

''They just have too many weapons,'' Jets coach Bruce Coslet said.

In losing, the Jets (7-6) hurt their chances of making the playoffs as a wild-card club. They need to win two, or possibly all three, of their remaining games: at Detroit, home against New England and at Miami.